Methods And Apparatus For Prioritizing Voice Call Requests During Data Communication Sessions With A Mobile Device

ABSTRACT

A mobile device is engaged in a connected data service via a wireless network. The connected data service utilizes a radio traffic channel established between the mobile device and the wireless network and a data session for communicating data. While engaged in the service, the mobile device receives via a user interface a voice call request for initiating a voice call. In response to the request, the mobile device permits the initiation of the voice call. Specifically, the mobile device causes the radio traffic channel for the connected data service to be torn down without terminating the data session. The mobile device also causes the voice call to be established and maintained over a new radio traffic channel via the wireless network while the data session for the data service is maintained.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.non-provisional patent application having application Ser. No.12/897,394 and filing date of 4 Oct. 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. ______,which is continuation of and claims priority to U.S. non-provisionalpatent application having application Ser. No. 10/667,983 and filingdate of 22 Sep. 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,809,387, each applicationbeing hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to mobile communication deviceswhich provide for both voice and data call capabilities, and moreparticularly to the prioritization of voice call requests during datacommunication sessions with the mobile device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A mobile communication device, such as a mobile station operating in awireless communication network, may provide for both voice and datacommunications for an end user. The mobile device may, for example, becompatible with 3^(rd) Generation (3G) communication standards. Someversions of 3G standards (such as IS-2000 Release 0), however, do notallow for the simultaneous communication of both voice and user data atthe mobile device. Such a mobile device is capable of maintaining eithera voice call or a data call, but not a voice call and a data call at thesame time.

An Internet Protocol (IP) connection may be utilized to communicatepacket data to and from the mobile device. To provide packet dataconnectivity between the mobile device and an IS-2000-compliant network,a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) link layer connection is alsoestablished between the mobile device and the network. A packet dataservice is said to be in an “active” state while the PPP connection isestablished. An “always-on, always-connected” mobile device is supposedto maintain PPP connectivity all of the time and maintain this activestate. When the PPP connectivity is terminated, the packet data serviceis said to be in an “inactive” state.

An active packet data service may be in either a “connected” state or a“dormant” state. A packet data service is said to be “connected” when atraffic channel for a data call is established between the mobile deviceand the network. In this connected state, data is actively exchangedbetween the mobile device and the network over the traffic channel or isexpected. If no user data is received or transmitted within apredetermined time period (e.g. 10 or 20 seconds), the traffic channelis torn down either by the mobile device or the network. Here, thepacket data service is said to enter into the “dormant” state. In thedormant state, the IP connection and the PPP session are stillmaintained but the physical layer and radio resources are released. Ifdata communications are subsequently resumed, the packet data servicewill again become “connected” where the traffic channel is reestablishedfor communicating data.

Traditionally, the operation of this type of mobile device is limited inthat the end user cannot initiate a voice call from the mobile deviceduring a data call (i.e. when the packet data service is in theconnected state). The mobile device permits the end user to place avoice call only if the packet data service is in the inactive state orthe dormant state. If otherwise attempted, the mobile device will notinitiate voice call processing. In some cases, the end user is not evenaware of the data communication activity and is not alerted to thereason why the voice call could not be placed. A wireless networksimilarly cannot successfully initiate a voice call to the mobile devicewhen the mobile device is engaged in a data call. If a voice call isattempted to a mobile device which is already engaged in a data call,the network typically provides a busy signal to the caller or sends thecall to voicemail of the mobile device. Unfortunately, the userordinarily has to wait until the expiration of inactivity time (e.g. 10or 20 seconds of no user data being received or transmitted) until thedormant state is entered in order to place or receive the voice call. Asapparent, time-critical voice calls may be undesirably missed duringless time-critical data communications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of present invention will now be described by way of examplewith reference to attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram which illustrates pertinent components of amobile communication device which communicates within a wirelesscommunication network;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed diagram of a preferred mobile communicationdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a state flow diagram for voice call and data communicationsession processing for a mobile communication device; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart which describes a method of prioritizing voicecall requests during data communication sessions with the mobilecommunication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Methods and apparatus for prioritizing voice call requests during datacommunication sessions involving a mobile communication device aredescribed herein. In one illustrative example, an end user invokes avoice call request at a user interface of the mobile device. If therequest is made while the mobile device is engaged in a connected datacommunication service, the mobile device immediately forces theconnected data service into a dormant state. In particular, a releaseorder is transmitted to tear down a traffic channel of the connecteddata service so that the voice call request can be processed.Subsequently, a voice call with the mobile device is established with anew traffic channel. When the voice call is completed, datacommunications associated with the data service may resume if needed.Advantageously, the mobile device prioritizes voice calls during datacommunication sessions which may be deemed less time-critical.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system 100 which includes amobile station 102 which communicates through a wireless communicationnetwork 104. Mobile station 102 preferably includes a visual display112, a keyboard 114, and perhaps one or more auxiliary user interfaces(UI) 116, each of which is coupled to a controller 106. Controller 106is also coupled to radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 108 and anantenna 110.

Typically, controller 106 is embodied as a central processing unit (CPU)which runs operating system software in a memory component (not shown).Controller 106 will normally control overall operation of mobile station102, whereas signal processing operations associated with communicationfunctions are typically performed in RF transceiver circuitry 108.Controller 106 interfaces with device display 112 to display receivedinformation, stored information, user inputs, and the like. Keyboard114, which may be a telephone type keypad or full alphanumeric keyboard,is normally provided for entering data for storage in mobile station102, information for transmission to network 104, a telephone number toplace a telephone call, commands to be executed on mobile station 102,and possibly other or different user inputs.

Mobile station 102 sends communication signals, to and receivescommunication signals from network 104 over a wireless link via antenna110. RF transceiver circuitry 108 performs functions similar to those ofa radio network (RN) 128, including for example modulation/demodulationand possibly encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption. It is alsocontemplated that RF transceiver circuitry 108 may perform certainfunctions in addition to those performed by RN 128. It will be apparentto those skilled in art that RF transceiver circuitry 108 will beadapted to particular wireless network or networks in which mobilestation 102 is intended to operate.

Mobile station 102 includes a battery interface 122 for receiving one ormore rechargeable batteries 124. Battery 124 provides electrical powerto electrical circuitry in mobile station. 102, and battery interface122 provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for battery 124.Battery interface 122 is coupled to a regulator 126 which regulatespower to the device. Mobile station 102 also operates using a memorymodule 120, such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or a RemovableUser Identity Module (R-UIM), which is connected to or inserted inmobile station 102 at an interface 118.

Mobile station 102 may consist of a single unit, such as a datacommunication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-functioncommunication device with data and voice communication capabilities, apersonal digital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, ora computer incorporating an internal modem. Alternatively, mobilestation 102 may be a multiple-module unit comprising a plurality ofseparate components, including but in no way limited to a computer orother device connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example,in the mobile station block diagram of FIG. 1, RF transceiver circuitry108 and antenna 110 may be implemented as a radio modem unit that may beinserted into a port on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptopcomputer would include display 112, keyboard 114, one or more auxiliaryUIs 116, and controller 106 embodied as the computer's CPU. It is alsocontemplated that a computer or other equipment not normally capable ofwireless communication may be adapted to connect to and effectivelyassume control of RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 of asingle-unit device such as one of those described above. Such a mobilestation 102 may have a more particular implementation as described laterin relation to mobile station 202 of FIG. 2.

Mobile station 102 communicates in and through wireless communicationnetwork 104. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, wireless network 104 is aThird Generation (3G) supported network based on Code Division MultipleAccess (CDMA) technologies. In particular, wireless network 104 is aCDMA2000 network which includes fixed network components coupled asshown in FIG. 1. Wireless network 104 of the CDMA2000-type includes aRadio Network (RN) 128, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 130, a SignalingSystem 7 (SS7) network 140, a Home Location Register/AuthenticationCenter (HLR/AC) 138, a Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) 132, an IPnetwork 134, and a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS)server 136. SS7 network 140 is communicatively coupled to a network 142(such as a Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN), whereas IPnetwork is communicatively coupled to a network 144 (such as theInternet).

During operation, mobile station 102 communicates with RN 128 whichperforms functions such as call-setup, call processing, and mobilitymanagement. RN 128 includes a plurality of base station transceiversystems that provide wireless network coverage for a particular coveragearea commonly referred to as a “cell”. A given base station transceiversystem of RN 128, such as the one shown in FIG. 1, transmitscommunication signals to and receives communication signals from mobilestations within its cell. The base station transceiver system normallyperforms such functions as modulation and possibly encoding and/orencryption of signals to be transmitted to the mobile station inaccordance with particular, usually predetermined, communicationprotocols and parameters, under control of its controller. The basestation transceiver system similarly demodulates and possibly decodesand decrypts, if necessary, any communication signals received frommobile station 102 within its cell. Communication protocols andparameters may vary between different networks. For example, one networkmay employ a different modulation scheme and operate at differentfrequencies than other networks. The underlying services may also differbased on its particular protocol revision.

The wireless link shown in communication system 100 of FIG. 1 representsone or more different channels, typically different radio frequency (RF)channels, and associated protocols used between wireless network 104 andmobile station 102. An RF channel is a limited resource that must beconserved, typically due to limits in overall bandwidth and a limitedbattery power of mobile station 102. Those skilled in art willappreciate that a wireless network in actual practice may includehundreds of cells depending upon desired overall expanse of networkcoverage. All pertinent components may be connected by multiple switchesand routers (not shown), controlled by multiple network controllers.

For all mobile station's 102 registered with a network operator,permanent data (such as mobile station 102 user's profile) as well astemporary data (such as mobile station's 102 current location) arestored in a HLR/AC 138. In case of a voice call to mobile station 102,HLR/AC 138 is queried to determine the current location of mobilestation 102. A Visitor Location Register (VLR) of MSC 130 is responsiblefor a group of location areas and stores the data of those mobilestations that are currently in its area of responsibility. This includesparts of the permanent mobile station data that have been transmittedfrom HLR/AC 138 to the VLR for faster access. However, the VLR of MSC130 may also assign and store local data, such as temporaryidentifications. Mobile station 102 is also authenticated on systemaccess by HLR/AC 138. In order to provide packet data services to mobilestation 102 in a CDMA2000-based network, RN 128 communicates with PDSN132. PDSN 132 provides access to the Internet 144 (or intranets,Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) servers, etc.) through IP network134. PDSN 132 also provides foreign agent (FA) functionality in mobileIP networks as well as packet transport for virtual private networking.PDSN 132 has a range of IP addresses and performs IP address management,session maintenance, and optional caching. RADIUS server 136 isresponsible for performing functions related to authentication,authorization, and accounting (AAA) of packet data services, and may bereferred to as an AAA server.

Those skilled in art will appreciate that wireless network 104 may beconnected to other systems, possibly including other networks, notexplicitly shown in FIG. 1. A network will normally be transmitting atvery least some sort of paging and system information on an ongoingbasis, even if there is no actual packet data exchanged. Although thenetwork consists of many parts, these parts all work together to resultin certain behaviours at the wireless link.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a preferred mobile station 202.Mobile station 202 is preferably a two-way communication device havingat least voice and advanced data communication capabilities, includingthe capability to communicate with other computer systems. Depending onthe functionality provided by mobile station 202, it may be referred toas a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone withdata messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a datacommunication device (with or without telephony capabilities). Mobilestation 202 may communicate with any one of a plurality of base stationtransceiver systems 200 within its geographic coverage area.

Mobile station 202 will normally incorporate a communication subsystem211, which includes a receiver 212, a transmitter 214, and associatedcomponents, such as one or more (preferably embedded or internal)antenna elements 216 and 218, local oscillators (LOs) 213, and aprocessing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 220.Communication subsystem 211 is analogous to RF transceiver circuitry 108and antenna 110 shown in FIG. 1. As will be apparent to those skilled infield of communications, particular design of communication subsystem211 depends on the communication network in which mobile station 202 isintended to operate.

Mobile station 202 may send and receive communication signals over thenetwork after required network registration or activation procedureshave been completed. Signals received by antenna 216 through the networkare input to receiver 212, which may perform such common receiverfunctions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering,channel selection, and like, and in example shown in FIG. 2,analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signalallows more complex communication functions such as demodulation anddecoding to be performed in DSP 220. In a similar manner, signals to betransmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, forexample, by DSP 220. These DSP-processed signals are input totransmitter 214 for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency upconversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over communicationnetwork via antenna 218. DSP 220 not only processes communicationsignals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. Forexample, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver 212 andtransmitter 214 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gaincontrol algorithms implemented in DSP 220.

Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of mobile station202, and therefore mobile station 202 requires a memory module 262, suchas a Subscriber Identity Module or “SIM” card or a Removable UserIdentity Module (R-UIM), to be inserted in or connected to an interface264 of mobile station 202 in order to operate in the network. Sincemobile station 202 is a mobile battery-powered device, it also includesa battery interface 254 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries256. Such a battery 256 provides electrical power to most if not allelectrical circuitry in mobile station 202, and battery interface 254provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for it. The batteryinterface 254 is coupled to a regulator (not shown in FIG. 2) whichprovides power V+ to all of the circuitry.

Mobile station 202 includes a microprocessor 238 (which is oneimplementation of controller 106 of FIG. 1) which controls overalloperation of mobile station 202. This control includes network selectiontechniques of the present application. Communication functions,including at least data and voice communications, are performed throughcommunication subsystem 211. Microprocessor 238 also interacts withadditional device subsystems such as a display 222, a flash memory 224,a random access memory (RAM) 226, auxiliary input/output (I/O)subsystems 228, a serial port 230, a keyboard 232, a speaker 234, amicrophone 236, a short-range communications subsystem 240, and anyother device subsystems generally designated at 242. Some of thesubsystems shown in FIG. 2 perform communication-related functions,whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions.Notably, some subsystems, such as keyboard 232 and display 222, forexample, may be used for both communication-related functions, such asentering a text message for transmission over a communication network,and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list.Operating system software used by microprocessor 238 is preferablystored in a persistent store such as flash memory 224, which mayalternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element(not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operatingsystem, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may betemporarily loaded into a volatile store such as RAM 226.

Microprocessor 238, in addition to its operating system functions,preferably enables execution of software applications on mobile station202. A predetermined set of applications which control basic deviceoperations, including at least data and voice communicationapplications, will normally be installed on mobile station 202 duringits manufacture. A preferred application that may be loaded onto mobilestation 202 may be a personal information manager (PIM) applicationhaving the ability to organize and manage data items relating to usersuch as, but not limited to, e-mail, calendar events, voice mails,appointments, and task items. Naturally, one or more memory stores areavailable on mobile station 202 and SIM 256 to facilitate storage of PIMdata items and other information.

The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive dataitems via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM dataitems are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via thewireless network, with the mobile station user's corresponding dataitems stored and/or associated with a host computer system therebycreating a mirrored host computer on mobile station 202 with respect tosuch items. This is especially advantageous where the host computersystem is the mobile station user's office computer system. Additionalapplications may also be loaded onto mobile station 202 through network,an auxiliary I/O subsystem 228, serial port 230, short-rangecommunications subsystem 240, or any other suitable subsystem 242, andinstalled by a user in RAM 226 or preferably a non-volatile store (notshown) for execution by microprocessor 238. Such flexibility inapplication installation increases the functionality of mobile station202 and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-relatedfunctions, or both. For example, secure communication applications mayenable electronic commerce functions and other such financialtransactions to be performed using mobile station 202.

In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text message,an e-mail message, or web page download will be processed bycommunication subsystem 211 and input to microprocessor 238.Microprocessor 238 will preferably further process the signal for outputto display 222 or alternatively to auxiliary I/O device 228. A user ofmobile station 202 may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages,for example, using keyboard 232 in conjunction with display 222 andpossibly auxiliary I/O device 228. Keyboard 232 is preferably a completealphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. These composed itemsmay be transmitted over a communication network through communicationsubsystem 211.

For voice communications, the overall operation of mobile station 202 issubstantially similar, except that the received signals would be outputto speaker 234 and signals for transmission would be generated bymicrophone 236. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as avoice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on mobilestation 202. Although voice or audio signal output is preferablyaccomplished primarily through speaker 234, display 222 may also be usedto provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration ofa voice call, or other voice call related information, as some examples.

Serial port 230 in FIG. 2 is normally implemented in a personal digitalassistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization witha user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component.Serial port 230 enables a user to set preferences through an externaldevice or software application and extends the capabilities of mobilestation 202 by providing for information or software downloads to mobilestation 202 other than through a wireless communication network. Thealternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryptionkey onto mobile station 202 through a direct and thus reliable andtrusted connection to thereby provide secure device communication.

Short-range communications subsystem 240 of FIG. 2 is an additionaloptional component which provides for communication between mobilestation 202 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarilybe similar devices. For example, subsystem 240 may include an infrareddevice and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabledsystems and devices. Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of BluetoothSIG, Inc.

FIG. 3 is a state flow diagram 300 for voice call and data communicationsession processing for a mobile communication device of the presentapplication (FIGS. 1-2). State flow diagram 300 shows a plurality ofdifferent operating states of the mobile communication device, includingan inactive data service state 302, a voice call state 304, an activedata communication service (connected) state 306, an active datacommunication service (dormant) state 308, and a voice call & activedata communication service (dormant) state 310. Although a limitednumber of pertinent operating states and state transition events areshown in FIG. 3, there may be additional operating states and statetransition events as one skilled in the art will readily appreciate.

In inactive data service state 302, the mobile device is neitherinvolved in a voice call or a data call. No traffic channel isestablished for the communication of voice or packet data; in fact, noIP connection and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) connection areestablished either. The mobile device is merely “idle” in state 302 andis awaiting input from the end user or communications from the network.In voice call state 304, the mobile device is involved in a voice callwhere audible voice signals are communicated over a traffic channelestablished between the mobile device and the wireless network.

In active data service (connected) state 306, the mobile device isinvolved in a data call where a traffic channel is established betweenthe mobile device and the wireless network for communicating datatherebetween. The communicated data may be, for example, data pertainingto an e-mail message or Internet communications. In active data service(connected) state 306, data are either being actively communicated overthe traffic channel or are expected (potentially). Preferably, activedata service (connected) state 306 involves the communication of packetdata where an IP connection and PPP connection are established betweenthe mobile device and one or more other devices in the network. Themobile device enters into “active” data service once it has establishedPPP connectivity.

In active data service (dormant) state 308, the mobile device maintainsPPP connectivity but no traffic channel between the mobile device andthe wireless network is maintained (i.e. no data call is established).In voice call & active data service (dormant) state 310, the mobiledevice is both engaged in a voice call and an active data service in thedormant state. Audible voice signals are communicated over a trafficchannel during the voice call and, although PPP connectivity ismaintained for the data communication service, no simultaneous trafficchannel exists for the communication of data for the service.

The mobile device may transition from inactive data service state 302 tovoice call state 304 by a transition event 320 involving either areceipt of a voice call request from the user interface of the mobiledevice (e.g. dialing/selection of telephone number) or a voice callrequest from the wireless network (i.e. a page for voice call). Themobile device may transition from voice call state 304 to inactive dataservice state 302 by a transition event 322 involving either a receiptof a call disconnect request from the mobile device or the wirelessnetwork. The mobile device may transition from inactive data servicestate 302 to active data service (connected) state 306 by a transitionevent 324 involving a PPP setup request to receive an IP address for themobile device. The mobile device may transition from active data service(connected) state 306 to inactive data service state 302 by a transitionevent 326 involving termination of the PPP connection.

The mobile device may transition from active data service (connected)state 306 to active data service (dormant) state 308 by a transitionevent 328 involving an expiration of a timer at the mobile device or thewireless network. This timer is initially set to a predetermined timeperiod (e.g. 10 or 20 seconds) which is reset upon receipt ortransmission of data, but will expire if no data is received ortransmitted within the predetermined time period. This is known as an“inactivity timeout” which is set by a service provider or anapplication of the mobile device. The mobile device may transition fromactive data service (dormant) state 308 to active data service(connected) state 306 by a transition event 330 involving a datacommunication associated with the software application(receiving/sending e-mail message or Internet data). For example, theend user may draft and send an e-mail message from the mobile device ormay receive updated stock quotes from the wireless network. The mobiledevice may also transition from active data service (dormant) state 308to inactive data service state 302 by a transition event 336 involving atermination request which is communicated in response to any one ofseveral events, such as a powering down of the mobile device. The mobiledevice may transition from active data service (dormant) state 308 tovoice call & active data service (dormant) state 310 by a transitionevent 332 involving either the receipt of a voice call request from theuser interface of the mobile device (i.e. dialing/selection of telephonenumber) or a voice call request from the wireless, network (i.e. a pagefor voice call). The mobile device may transition from voice call &active data service (dormant) state 310 to active data service (dormant)state 308 by a transition event 334 involving either the receipt of acall disconnect request from the mobile device or the wireless network.

Traditionally, mobile device operation is limited in that the end usercannot originate a voice call from the user interface when the mobiledevice is in active data service (connected) state 306. If a voice callis attempted by the end user when the mobile device is in active dataservice (connected) state 306, the mobile device will not initiate voicecall processing. The end user ordinarily has to wait until transitionevent 328 occurs (i.e. timer expiration) so that the mobile deviceenters into active data service (dormant) state 308, so that transitionevent 332 can be made (i.e. placing of the voice call). Similarly, thewireless network cannot traditionally connect an outside voice callrequest to the mobile device when the mobile device is in active dataservice (connected) state 306. If a voice call to the mobile device isattempted by a calling party at this time, the network will provide abusy signal to the caller or send the call into voicemail of the mobiledevice.

However, the mobile device of the present application includes uniquestate transitioning aspects to alleviate such problems. In particular, atransition event 350 is provided for direct state transitioning fromactive data service (connected) state 306 to voice call & active dataservice (dormant) state 310. Transition event 350 involves receipt of avoice call request from the user interface of the mobile device (i.e.dialing/selection of telephone number). It may also be triggered by anincoming call indication from the wireless network. Although depicted asa single transition from active data service (connected) state 306 tovoice call & active data service (dormant) state 310, the transition mayalso be viewed as a two-step transition from active data service(connected) state 306 to active data service (dormant) state 308 tovoice call & active data service (dormant) state 310 via a single event.

If a voice call is attempted by the end user when the mobile device isin active data service (connected) state 306, the mobile device willcause the traffic channel of the data service to be torn down to “force”the data service into a dormant state. The mobile device may, forexample, transmit a specific release order qualification code to teardown the traffic channel. In IS-2000, there are different qualificationcodes to indicate the reason for call termination. In the presentembodiment, the mobile device indicates that it is terminating the datacall in order to enter into a dormant state. Advantageously, thisrelease order does not terminate the PPP connectivity of the dataservice. Regarding this particular embodiment, connected and dormantactive states and release orders are defined in detail in the 3^(rd)Generation (3G) standard of IS-707 and 3G-PP2 C.S0005-0. Subsequently,the mobile device initiates voice call processing to establish the voicecall with the mobile device using a new traffic channel. Thus, the enduser does not have to wait for transition event 328 to occur (i.e. thetimer expiration) before making a voice call.

The wireless network is similarly able to connect a voice call to themobile device when the mobile device is in active data service(connected) state 306. The wireless network may include one or moreservers to execute such a technique. If a voice call is attempted by anoutside calling party while the mobile device is in active data service(connected) state 306, the network will cause the traffic channel ofstate 306 to be torn down to force the data service into a dormantstate. The network may, for example, transmit a release order such asthat described above) to tear down the traffic channel and force themobile device into dormancy. Thus, the calling party will not hear thebusy signal nor be sent to voicemail of the mobile device, but rather beconnected in a voice call with the mobile device.

Optionally, the mobile device may provide state transitioning from voicecall & active data service (dormant) state 310 to active data service(connected) state 306 by a transition event 352. Transition event 352involves either the receipt of a voice call disconnect request from themobile device or wireless network provided that there is pending datatransaction. Alternatively, in response to a call disconnect requestwhile in voice call & active data service (dormant) state 310, themobile device transitions 334 into active. data service (dormant) state308. In any case, pending data requests which may have been interruptedby the voice call may be immediately resumed or completed after leavingstate 310. This also applies to data composed while the voice call wasin progress as well as other data transactions.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart which describes a method of prioritizing voicecall requests during data communication sessions with a mobilecommunication device. The method may be performed by a mobile device ora network (one or more servers) as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and2. A computer program product may include computer instructions storedon a computer storage medium (memory of the mobile device or one or moreservers of the network, a floppy disk or CD-ROM) which are written inaccordance with the described logic.

In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the mobile device is described as performingthe method. The mobile device uses its one or more processors (e.g. itsmicroprocessor) for execution of the method along with its wirelesstransceiver for wireless communications and control. Beginning at astart block 402 of FIG. 4, the mobile device monitors its user interfaceto identify whether a voice call request is being received from the enduser (step 404). To make a voice call request, the end user typicallydials and/or selects a telephone number using the user interface of themobile device. If the mobile device does not identify such a voice callrequest, it continues monitoring the user interface for such activity.When the mobile device does identify such a voice call request, itdetermines whether or not it is engaged in an active connected dataservice. (i.e. a data call) (step 406). During an active connected dataservice, a traffic channel exists between the mobile device and thewireless network for the communication of user data.

If the mobile device identifies that there is no active connected dataservice in step 406, then the mobile device performs voice callprocessing for a voice call as is conventional (step 408). If the mobiledevice identifies that there is an active connected data service in step406, then the mobile device immediately causes the traffic channel ofthe data service to be torn down to force the service into a dormantstate (step 410). The mobile device may, for example, transmit anappropriate release order indication to tear down the traffic channelwithout terminating other data service connectivity (e.g. the PPPconnection). Subsequently, the mobile device performs voice callprocessing to establish the voice call with the mobile device using anew traffic channel (step 408). When the voice call is completed asidentified in step 412, the mobile device may resume or complete anypending data communication associated with the data service (step 414).Thus, the end user does not have to wait for an expiration of timebefore making a voice call.

Final Comments. Methods and apparatus for prioritizing voice callrequests during data communication sessions involving a mobilecommunication device have been described. In one illustrative example,an end user invokes a voice call request though a user interface of themobile device. If this request is made while the mobile device isengaged in a connected data communication service, the mobile deviceimmediately forces the connected data service into a dormant state. Inparticular, a release order is transmitted to tear down a trafficchannel of the connected data service without disrupting other dataservice connectivity (e.g. PPP connectivity). Subsequently, a voice callwith the mobile device is established using a new traffic channel. Whenthe voice call is completed, data communications for the data servicewill resume if needed. Advantageously, the mobile device prioritizesvoice calls during data communication sessions which may be deemed lesstime-critical.

A mobile communication device of the present application includes a userinterface; one or more processors coupled to the user interface; and awireless transceiver coupled to the one or more processors. The one ormore processors are operative to receive a voice call request throughthe user interface and, in response, cause a traffic channel of aconnected data communication service to be torn down and a voice call tobe established with the mobile device with use of the wirelesstransceiver. A computer program product of the present applicationincludes a computer storage medium as well as computer instructionsstored on the computer storage medium. The computer storage medium maybe any memory in mobile station 202 or even a floppy disk or CD-ROM, asexamples. The computer instructions are executable by a processor (e.g.a microprocessor) to perform the steps of receiving a voice call requestduring a connected data communication service with a mobilecommunication device; in response to receiving the voice call requestduring the connected data service: causing a traffic channel of theconnected data service to be torn down; and causing a voice call to beestablished with the mobile device.

The above-described embodiments of the present application are intendedto be examples only. Those of skill in the art may effect alterations,modifications and variations to the particular embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the application. The invention describedherein in the recited claims intend to cover and embrace all suitablechanges in technology.

1. A method for use in processing a voice call request involving amobile device which includes a user interface and a wireless transceiveroperative for communication in a wireless network, the method comprisingthe acts of: receiving, via the user interface, a voice call request forinitiating a voice call from the mobile device while the mobile deviceis engaged in a connected data service via the wireless network, theconnected data service utilizing a radio traffic channel establishedbetween the mobile device and the wireless network and a data sessionfor communicating data; permitting the initiation of the voice call fromthe mobile device in response to the voice call request, by: causing, bythe mobile device, the radio traffic channel for the connected dataservice to be torn down without terminating the data session; andcausing, by the mobile device, the voice call involving the mobiledevice to be established and maintained over a new radio traffic channelvia the wireless network while the data session for the data service ismaintained.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless networkcomprises a cellular telecommunications network.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the act of causing the radio traffic channel to be torn downcomprises the further act of causing a release order to be transmittedfrom the mobile device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the act ofcausing the radio traffic channel to be torn down comprises the furtheract of causing a release order to be transmitted from the mobile device,the release order having a release order qualification code whichindicates that the radio traffic channel is being terminated to enterinto a dormant state.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the data sessioncomprises a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) session.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the wireless network is configured to be incapable ofmaintaining a voice call and a data call for the same mobile device atthe same time.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless networkand the mobile device are operative in accordance with a version of a3^(rd) Generation (3G) or IS-2000 communication standard which isincapable of maintaining a IS voice call and a data call for the samemobile device at the same time.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: communicating the data to the mobile device in the datasession; and wherein the act of causing the radio traffic channel to betorn down causes an interruption to the communication of the data. 9.The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying an indicationthat the voice call involving the mobile device has ended; and inresponse to identifying the indication, resuming the communication ofthe data in the data session over a radio traffic channel.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: causing the data service to enterinto a dormant state when causing the radio traffic channel to be torndown.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is embodied as acomputer program product comprising a computer readable medium andcomputer instructions stored in the computer readable medium which areexecutable by one or more processors for performing the method.
 12. Aprocessor for use in a mobile device operative for communication in awireless network, the processor being configured to receive, via a userinterface of the mobile device, a voice call request for initiating avoice call from the mobile device while the Mobile device is engaged ina connected data service via the wireless network, the connected dataservice utilizing a radio traffic channel established between the mobiledevice and the wireless network and a data session for communicatingdata; permit the initiation of the voice call from the mobile device inresponse to the voice call request: cause the radio traffic channel forthe connected data service to be torn down without terminating the datasession, and further cause the voice call involving the mobile device tobe established and maintained over a new radio traffic channel via thewireless network while the data session for the data service ismaintained.
 13. The processor of claim 12, which is further configuredto cause the radio traffic channel to be torn down by causing a releaseorder to be sent from a radio transceiver of the mobile device.
 14. Theprocessor of claim 12, which is further configured to cause the radiotraffic channel to be torn down by causing a release order to be sentfrom a radio transceiver of the mobile device, the release order havinga release order qualification code which indicates that the radiotraffic channel is being terminated to enter into a dormant state. 15.The processor of claim 12, wherein the data session comprises aPoint-to-Point Protocol (PPP) session.
 16. The processor of claim 12,wherein the wireless network is configured to be incapable ofmaintaining a voice call and a data call for the same mobile device atthe same time.
 17. The processor of claim 12, wherein the wirelesscommunication network and the mobile communication device are operativein accordance with a version of a 3^(rd) Generation (3G) or IS-2000communication standard which is incapable of maintaining a voice calland a data call for the same mobile device at the same time.
 18. Theprocessor of claim 12, which is further configured to receive the datain the data session, and cause the radio traffic channel to be torn downwhich causes an interruption of the reception of the data.
 19. Theprocessor of claim 12, which is further configured to: identify anindication that the voice call involving the mobile device has ended;and in response to identifying the indication, resume the communicationof the data in the data session over a radio traffic channel.
 20. Theprocessor of claim 12, which is further configured to cause the dataservice to enter into a dormant state when causing the radio trafficchannel to be torn down.
 21. A mobile communication device, comprising:one or more processors; a radio transceiver coupled to the one or moreprocessors, the radio transceiver being operative for communication in awireless network; a user interface coupled to the one or moreprocessors, the user interface including a display; the one or moreprocessors being operative to: receive, via the user interface, a voicecall request for initiating a voice call from the mobile device whilethe mobile device is engaged in a connected data service via thewireless network, the connected data service utilizing a radio trafficchannel established between the mobile device and the wireless networkand a data session for communicating data; and permit the initiation ofthe voice call from the mobile device in response to the voice callrequest by causing the radio traffic channel for the connected dataservice to be torn down without terminating the data session, andcausing the voice call involving the mobile device to be established andmaintained over a new radio traffic channel via the wireless networkwhile the data session for the data service is maintained.
 22. Themobile communication device of claim 21, wherein the one or moreprocessors are further operative to cause the radio traffic channel tobe torn down by causing a release order to be transmitted from themobile device via the radio transceiver.
 23. The mobile communicationdevice of claim 21, wherein the one or more processors are furtheroperative to cause the radio traffic channel to be torn down comprisesby causing a release order to be transmitted from the mobile device viathe radio transceiver, the release order having a release orderqualification code which indicates that the radio traffic channel isbeing terminated to enter into a dormant state.
 24. The mobilecommunication device of claim 21, wherein the data session comprises aPoint-to-Point Protocol (PPP) session.
 25. The mobile communicationdevice of claim 21, wherein the one or more processors are furtheroperative to: communicate the data to the mobile device, via the radiotransceiver, in the data session; and cause the radio traffic channel tobe torn down by interrupting the communication of the data.
 26. Themobile communication device of claim 21, wherein the one or moreprocessors are further operative to: identify an indication that thevoice call involving the mobile device has ended; and in response toidentifying the indication, resume the communication of the data in thedata session over a radio traffic channel via the radio transceiver.